The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
Go to topic20 October 2011 marked an important landmark in space history: for the first time a Soyuz was launched outside of former soviet territory, not from Baikonur or Plesetsk, but from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. This impressive twist in history also represented another important moment for Europe, as this was first Soyuz launched from Kourou carrying the first two operational Galileo satellites.
This video story recalls the incredible career of the legendary Russian rocket and its installation at the Centre Spatial Guyanais (CSG).
More background information can be found on: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/SEM6JRS4LZE_0.html